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Advancements in Motorcycling: Hydralically Dampened Telescopic Forks

August 22, 2023

Motorcycles — and most automobiles — have been through many changes since technology and gasoline first made them possible. Let’s look at one of the earlier innovations that made motorcycles easier to ride with the now extremely common, hydraulically dampened telescopic fork. We'll explain what came before this type of fork, as well as what led to the concept and how the telescoping fork works today. Keep reading to learn more about motorcycle history!

1974 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper

August 01, 2023

In the history of custom choppers as soon as the Japanese inline four motor was on the market people were pulling them and putting them in custom projects. Companies like Amen made this even more accessible in the early 70's and with the introduction of the Kawasaki 750, 900, and 1000cc motors they adapted to include these in their lineup of ready to install chopper frames. However these Kawasaki Amen frames were much harder to come by years later than the CB750 Honda counterpart which dominated the market leaving any KZ chopper out there rolling a real head turner. Flash forward to the 2017 Biltwell El Diablo Run when we had the chance to meet Robbie Hardbarger on his Amen framed Kawasaki Z1 chopper. The bike absolutely screamed down the baja Mexico highways and despite the extreme heat performed amazing. After the run he knew he wanted to change things up and spent several years getting it to the stance he wanted. Just before the 2021 EDR he had it ready to hit the road to San Felipe again and we met up with him once again to relish in this amazing Kawasaki chopper full of awesome road stories.

DOHC Masterpiece: The Kawasaki Z1

August 01, 2023

When it comes to classic Japanese motorcycles, you can't get more iconic than the Kawasaki Z1. This boisterous bike kick-started the concept of a “superbike” thanks to its ridiculously powerful four-cylinder inline engine. When it was released in 1972, the Z1 instantly became the world's fastest production motorcycle.

Mini Bike Madness: The Honda Z50

July 25, 2023

There are some ideas that are simply too good to not pursue, and the Honda Z series of motorcycles is exactly that.

Originally created for Japanese amusement park Tama Tech, a park that was owned by none other than Honda themselves. Yes, that's right, Honda owned an amusement park that featured motorsports-focused rides and attractions, and the Z50 was a result of an attraction at that park!

Middleweight Champ: Kawasaki KZ400

July 18, 2023

Manufactured from 1974 to 1984, the Kawasaki KZ400 was the right bike for the right time - almost by accident!

The historical premise around this bike is a little odd because the KZ400 came at a time when tariffs were being imposed on the importation of foreign parts. In the political and economic realm, President Nixon had also done away with the gold standard, which prompted prices to start rising on a variety of commodities, including gas.